Mercedes utes have farmers in their sights

MERCEDES-Benz has increased the intensity of the heavy-duty off-road ute arms race with the addition of the military-grade G-Professional ute to its local armoury.

Priced at $119,900 before on-road costs, the G-Professional cab chassis is offered at a fair premium over the Toyota LandCruiser 70-Series which is beloved by farmers.

Boasting a payload of almost 2.1 tonnes - without a tray - and coupled with a braked towing capacity of just over 2.2 tonnes the G-Professional out-guns all other heavy-duty utes on the market not needing a truck licence.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class ute revealed | Photos

It is powered by a 3-litre V6 turbo diesel engine that produces 135kW and 400Nm and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

A large 96-litre fuel tank and snorkel along with a bull bar, headlight, indicator protection and radiator and sump shields featured as standard make the G-Professional a serious off-roader.

Inside the cab chassis ute is a no-fuss cockpit featuring vinyl-seat covers, two water drain plugs, rubber floor mats, storage boxes under both seats and a lockable glovebox. It also comes with air-conditioning which should be considered a luxury in the spartan interior of the agricultural ute.